James Upshaw

Contributed

James William Upshaw of North Ogden celebrated his 80th birthday at a private family party on April 27 at Maddox Ranch House Restaurant in Perry.

He was born April 26, 1933, in West Plains, Mo., to Lee and Levetra Upshaw. He married Shirley Thomas on Sept. 6, 1979 in Elko, Nev.

For his entire career, he was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a federal electrical inspector, retiring in 1997.

He enjoys horses and has bred, trained and sold Tennessee Walkers. He belonged to several riding groups and went on several buffalo roundups on Antelope Island. He was also in square dancing groups for several years. He worked hard all his life until his health worsened. He still enjoys going to the barn when he can and being with his family. He says that he loves his family very much, and they say that they love him.

Their children and spouses are Deb Howell, Linda and Marc Naylor, Kaye and Don DuVall, Garry Upshaw, Jim and DeAnn Upshaw, Jay and Linda Thomas, Lynn Thomas, Shelley Chambers, and Jeremy and Marcie Thomas. He has 24 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.